
| A Tribute to Caregivers by Dori Rossmann There is no job more important than yours, no job anywhere else in the land. You are the keepers of the future; you hold the smallest of hands. Into your care you are trusted to nurture and care for the young, and for all of your everyday heroics, your talents and skills go unsung. You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured. You rock babies brand new in your arms. You encourage the shy and unsure child. You make sure they are safe from all harm. You foster the bonds of friendships, letting no child go away mad. You respect and you honor their emotions. You give hugs to each child when they're sad. You have more impact than does a professor, a child's mind is molded by four; so whatever you lay on the table is whatever that child will explore. Give each child the tools for adventure, let them be artists and writers and more; let them fly in the wind and dance on the stars and build castles of sand on the shore. It is true that you don't make much money and you don't get a whole lot of praise, but when one small child says, "I love you," you're reminded of how this job pays. Childcare IS Important "Children are people who are going to carry on what you have started. They are going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone, attend to those things which you think are important. You may adopt all the policies you please, but how they are carried out depends on them. They will assume control of your cities, your states, and your nation. They will move in and take over your churches, your schools, your universities, and your corporations. All your books are going to be judged, praised and condemned by them. The fate of humanity is in their hands." ~ Abraham Lincoln If I could... I would teach each child to be positive, to smile, to love and be loved.<br> I would teach each child to take time to observe some miracle of nature...the song of a bird, the beauty of a snowflake, the orange glow of a winter sunset. I would teach each child to feel warmly about the peers for whom the task of learning does not come easily. I would teach each child to be kind to all living creatures,<br> and to crowd out of their lives feelings of guilt, misunderstanding, and lack of compassion. I would teach each child that it is okay to show their feelings by laughing, crying or touching someone they care about.<br> Every day I would have each child feel special and, through my actions, each one would know how much I really care. Provider Who Lived In A Shoe --Author unknown-- There was a provider who lived in a shoe But being professional, she knew what to do. She made best use of the space she could spare And set up her home for family child care. She registered with the state, called USDA, Checked in with her R & R the very next day. She knew she would need help in her situation, The answer was joining a provider association. She took CPR and First Aid classes, too And brushed up on all the things kids like to do. She advertised, interviewed, contracted, and then She counted the kids carefully -- no more than ten. She fed them good foods and recorded it, too. She potty-trained Jake; helped Mark tie his shoe. Collected art items and made a new batch of clay And cut out cute pictures for a new theme's display. She diapered, she bandaged, she wiped every nose. She comforted Tim when Sue stepped on his toes. She cooked and she washed, scrubbing floors, scraping glue. She recorded attendance; did her bookkeeping, too. She wrote parents notes home 'bout the kids in her care, Anecdotes and concerns that they'd want her to share. She read to the children while they sat in her lap And she sang to them softly when they started to nap. She called a provider who was feeling depressed. She spoon-fed the baby, then got him redressed. She picked up and dusted when they went out the door. She updated records, picked up toys, mopped the floor. She started the laundry, checked the mail, made a list Of the groceries she needed and the chores that she'd missed. She collapsed in a chair and put up her feet, Then in came her family wanting something to eat. She fed them all quickly, heard their stories, gave them hugs, Then she rapidly washed up all the dishes and mugs. As the family retired at the end of the day She got out some books to study for her CDA. She reflects on her day, in her eye there's a gleam, For this provider is developing pride and esteem. She works a long day and the pay isn't fair, But the kids that she works with get quality care. Their parents commute to their work sites each day, Concerns about child care aren't in their way. They are free to produce at a marvelous rate, Which benefits business all over the state. If you live in a big house or even a shoe, Great is the work a provider can do. Be proud, stand up tall, wear a smile on your face, You are helping "tomorrow" be a much better place! The Hand Holders: A Tribute to Caregivers There is no job more important than yours, no job anywhere else in the land. You are the keepers of the future; you hold the smallest of hands. Into your care you are trusted to nurture and care for the young, and for all of your everyday heroics, your talents and skills go unsung. You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured. You rock babies brand new in your arms. You encourage the shy and unsure child. You make sure they are safe from all harm. You foster the bonds of friendships, letting no child go away mad. You respect and you honor their emotions. You give hugs to each child when they're sad. You have more impact than does a professor, a child's mind is molded by four; so whatever you lay on the table is whatever that child will explore. Give each child the tools for adventure, let them be artists and writers and more; let them fly in the wind and dance on the stars and build castles of sand on the shore. It is true that you don't make much money and you don't get a whole lot of praise, but when one small child says, "I love you," you're reminded of how this job pays. What Did I Do Today Today I left some dishes dirty, the bed got made around 3:30. The diapers soaked a little longer, The odor grew a little stronger. The crumbs I spilled the day before Are staring at me from the floor. the fingerprints there on the wall Will likely be there still next fall. the dirty streaks on those windowpanes Will still be there next time it rains. Shame on you, you sit and say, Just what did you do today? I held a baby till she slept I held a toddler while he wept. I played a game of hide and seek, I squeezed a toy so it would squeak. I pulled a wagon, sang a song, Taught a child right from wrong. What did I do this whole day through? Not much that shows, I guess that's true. Unless you think that what I've done, might be important to someone with deep green eyes and soft brown hair, If that is true....I've done my share. Forever in My Heart Although I'm not their mother I care for them each day. I cuddle, sing and read to them And watch them as they play. I see each new accomplishment I help them grow and learn, I understand their language I listen with concern. They come to me for comfort, I kiss away their tears. they proudly show their work to me I give the loudest cheers! No, I'm not their mother, But my role is just as strong. I nurture them and keep them safe Though maybe not for long. I know someday the time may come When they will have to part, but I know each child I cared for Is forever in my heart! ~ author unknown ~ No Babysitters Poem Greet the kids at seven-ten, Give them breakfast, settle in Andrew's learning ABC's (Ryan, don't eat crayons, please) Someone's knocking at the door, (We mustn't finger paint the floor) Let's have lunch and then clean up (Ashley, please don't tip your cup) Baby Hunter's on my lap, Story time and then a nap. Have our snack, then go outside, (The doggie can't give horsey-rides) Six-'clock - the moms are here, Collect the coats, paper and gear. Want to see me throw a fit? Tell me I just "babysit" A CHILD CARE PROVIDER By Larry Howland A substitute for working moms, She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms. With all the love she has to share, She's great to have when mom's not there. She loves to rock a fussy child, Corrects the one who gets too wild. She hears her share of tearful pleas, And comforts those with skinned up knees. With little children she plays peek, For bigger ones it's hide and seek. She is an expert at each game, But somehow loses just the same. She help them learn the alphabet, And gives them hugs when they're upset. She gently tucks them in their beds, With dreamland tales for sleepyheads. She is a true and trusted friend, Who helps them learn and play pretend. Although she's paid, it's plain to see, She serves them with a love that's free. THE TEACHER When meeting someone at the first, They often ask me what I do. I smile and think of how I taught My little boy to tie his shoe, And how to sing and how to pray And how to tell the time of day. Why the rainbow's in the sky, Why birdies can but cows can't fly. Why sky is blue and grass is green And unicorns are never seen. How to think of others first And deal with life's little hurts. To say "Thanks you" and "You're welcome" Say "Please" for food, and don't reach. When someone asks me what I do - I smile and simply say, "I teach". Top Ten Reasons to Become a Preschool Teacher 1. Cute little children......cute little paycheck. 2. Confidence that you will nenver, ever forget to count to 10. 3. Attention span.......Do they have one? 4. Shoes that untie themselves. 5. Get to sing your favorite songs; over and over, and over. 6. With all this bending, who needs aerobics? 7. Play, play, play. 8. Classroom art displayed in kitchen "galleries". 9. Small hands......LARGE crayons. 10. You alone make little ones count. MY LITTLE ONES My little ones, my little ones, Oh, how you all have grown. I look back thru the pages now For the little ones I have known. It seems like only yesterday, When you were learning to stand, and looked at me with love and trust as you reached for Mommy's hand. Oh, why must time rush by me at such a frantic pace? Give me just a moment more To remember that small face. My little ones, my little ones, the days were precious few, when I could hold you in my arms and wish the stars for you. Forever In Your Heart Although you're not their mother You care for them each day. You cuddle, sing and read to them And watch them as they play You see each new accomplishment You help them grow and learn, You understand their language, You listen with concern They come to you for comfort, And you kiss away their tears. They proudly show their work to you You give the loudest cheers! No, you are not their mothers, But your role is just as strong. You nurture them and keep them safe Though maybe not for long- You know someday the time may come When you will have to part, But you know each child you cared for Is forever in your heart! ~Author unknown The Provider There is no job more important than yours, no job anywhere else in the land. You are the keepers of the future; you hold the smallest of hands. Into your care you are trusted to nurture and care for the young, and for all of your everyday heroics, your talents and skills go unsung. You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured. You rock babies brand new in your arms. You encourage the shy and unsure child. You make sure they are safe from all harm. You foster the bonds of friendships, letting no child go away mad. You respect and you honour their emotions. You give hugs to each child when they're sad. You have more impact than does a professor, a child's mind is moulded by four; so whatever you lay on the table is whatever the child will explore. Give each child the tools for adventure, let them be artists and writers and more; let them fly on the wind and dance on the stars and build castles of sand on the shore. It is true that you don't make much money and you don't get a whole lot of praise, but when one small child says "I love you", you're reminded of how this job pays. Where would you like to go? Today like millions of other Americans I went to work. I didn't design a beautiful skyscraper, I didn't write a proposal to save an endangered species, I didn't drive a bus or fly a plane, or write a crucial bill that would someday become law, However, I did spend time with some very important people. I read a story to an attorney, I sang the alphabet song with a Supreme Court justice, I ate lunch with a pastor, Patted the back of an engineer until he feel asleep, Taught a policeman how to tie his shoes, And introduced an astronaut to the color red. Tomorrow, who knows whom I'll meet, but one thing is for sure… They will be very important - For they are our precious children, and the hope of our very future A CHILD CARE PROVIDER A willing partner for working moms, She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms. With all the love she has to share, She's great to have when Mommy can't be there. She loves to rock a fussy child, Corrects the one who gets too wild. She hears her share of tearful pleas, And comforts those with skinned up knees. With little children she plays games of peek, For bigger ones it's hide and seek. She is an expert at each game, But somehow loses just the same. She helps them learn the alphabet, And gives them hugs when they're upset. She gently tucks them in their beds, With dreamland tales for sleepyheads. She is a true and trusted friend, Who helps them learn and play pretend. Although she's paid, it's plain to see, She serves them with a love that's free. ODE TO DAYCARE Little children come to me for hugs and books and such. I care for their simple needs and I also fix them lunch. I change their diapers, settle fights, and kiss away their fears. I tie their shoes, button their coats, and push them on the swing. I really love these kids you see, but there is just one thing. Call me Mrs. Proffitt, Mrs. Judy, or Judy.. These names just might fit. But please don't call me sitter, because I never get to sit. I am a Daycare Provider I don't wear power suits, make speeches, or drive a fancy sports car. I've never talked on a car phone, made a big sale, or been elected to the senate. I don't "do lunch", have a big impressive office, or carry a beeper. I spend most my days wiping away tears, giving hugs, and serving chicken nuggets. A good day is when I go a whole 9 hours without a temper tantrum, bite mark, or a toilet training accident. My office is a room full of brightly colored toys and laughing children. You may not think that what I do is very important and you may even whisper behind my back, "What a waste of a good mind." But I know better. I make a difference because I am changing the world, one child at a time. Everyday I am getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the future. I am proud to say, "I am a Child Care Provider." ~ Author Unknown ~ WITH APOLOGIES TO NONE When I am asked what I do, I usually get the following reaction: When I say, "I work at a day care center (or home)" I generally hear a very flat "Oh". I have never been certain whether it is an expression of pity, sympathy, disgust or perhaps disinterest. Always I wish I had the time to explain to them like this: Yes, I work at a day care center, "With Apologies to None." Where else would a handsome and very young man put his arms around me and ask, "Do you know that I love you?" Where else could I see a fashion show daily and keep up on the latest trends for the very young" Where else could my limited wardrobe be complimented or my earrings thought beautiful? Where else could I walk into a crowd and have warm little hands reach to touch me? Where else could I have the privilege of wiggling the loose teeth and receive the promise that I may pull them when they're loose enough? Where else would I guide a chubby little hand that may someday write a book or an important document? Where else would I forget my own aches and pains because of scratched knees, bumped heads and broken hearts that need care? Where else could I forget taxes and even "The State of the Nation" because Bill isn't adjusting as he should and other methods must be tried? Where else could my mind stay so young as with a group whose attention span is so short that I must always keep a "Bag of Tricks" up my sleeve? Where else could I feel so close to my Maker as I do each year when because of something I have done, little children learn and grow? Yes,I am a Home Day Care Provider, Mr. and Mrs. America. . .and. . . I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A CHILD CARE PROVIDER A willing partner for working moms, She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms. With all the love she has to share, She's great to have when Mommy can't be there. She loves to rock a fussy child, Corrects the one who gets too wild. She hears her share of tearful pleas, And comforts those with skinned up knees. With little children she plays games of peek, For bigger ones it's hide and seek. She is an expert at each game, But somehow loses just the same. She helps them learn the alphabet, And gives them hugs when they're upset. She gently tucks them in their beds, With dreamland tales for sleepyheads. She is a true and trusted friend, Who helps them learn and play pretend. Although she's paid, it's plain to see, She serves them with a love that's free. A Tribute to Caregivers by Dori Rossmann There is no job more important than yours, no job anywhere else in the land. You are the keepers of the future; you hold the smallest of hands. Into your care you are trusted to nurture and care for the young, and for all of your everyday heroics, your talents and skills go unsung. You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured. You rock babies brand new in your arms. You encourage the shy and unsure child. You make sure they are safe from all harm. You foster the bonds of friendships, letting no child go away mad. You respect and you honor their emotions. You give hugs to each child when they're sad. You have more impact than does a professor, a child's mind is molded by four; so whatever you lay on the table is whatever that child will explore. Give each child the tools for adventure, let them be artists and writers and more; let them fly in the wind and dance on the stars and build castles of sand on the shore. It is true that you don't make much money and you don't get a whole lot of praise, but when one small child says, "I love you," you're reminded of how this job pays. Why God Made Little Girls God made the world with its towering trees Majestic Mountains and restless seas Then paused and said, "It needs one more thing Someone to laugh and dance and sing To walk in the woods and gather flowers To commune with nature in the quiet hours." So God made little girls With laughing eyes and bouncing curls With joyful hearts and infectious smiles Enchanting ways and feminine wiles, And when He'd completed the task He'd begun He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done For the world, when seen through a little girl's eyes Greatly resembles Paradise. A Mother's Hopes May you delight in the beauty and wonder of this big world May you come to know what is right and what is wrong May you smile often and laugh freely May you be able to stand strong in what you believe May you live life with energy and enthusiasm May you have wisdom when it comes to choosing friends and activities May you be aware of the precious gift of each day Most of all, Little One, may you know you are treasured and loved Special Person You are a SPECIAL person and (Child's name) you should know. How I loved to be your (teacher, provider, friend) How has the (time or year) did go! Please take time to (visit or think) of me As through the years you grow. Try hard to learn all that you can There is so much to know. For these are the things I tried to teach you To last your whole life through Is to know that you are SPECIALl (Child's name) Just because you are you. I'll really miss you! Thank You for Entering Sometimes a person enter our lives. Sometimes it's just for a few minutes, a few hours, a few days. Thanks for coming into my life. You brought to me your smile, your kindness, and your wit. Most of all you. And, I thank you for entering! Children Need: Appreciation, for all they bring into our lives Balance, somewhere between too little and too much. Commitment, it's the little things we do each day that matter. Dreams, to touch the future. Empathy, remember what it was like to be a child. Family And Friends, everyone needs someone to love. Guidance, actions speak louder than words. Healthy Habits, to nurture body, mind and spirit. Inspiration, to explore beauty, wonder and mystery. Joy, sprinkle laughter and happiness daily. Kindness, to learn to care for others as they are cared for. Limits, set boundaries and consequences together. Mentors, to give wings to their aspirations. Nature, to delight in rainbow butterflies and shooting stars . Opportunities, to discover what truly makes their heart sing. Play, the "work" of childhood . Quiet Time, to recharge their batteries. Responsibilities, to build self-esteem and self-confidence. Security, feeling safe is essential for growth. Traditions, keep the family tree alive & sprout new branches. Unconditional Love, for who they are , not for what they do. Values, live yours and encourage them to find theirs. Words Of Encouragement, You can do it, I believe in you. Xoxoxo's, hug and kiss them each and every day. You, your presence more than your presents. Zzzzzzzs, a good night's sleep. BEST CHILD CARE PROVIDER RECIPE 2 1/4 cups unconditional Love - flour 1 tsp. networking - salt 1 tsp. encouragement - baking soda 3/4 cup understanding - firmly packed brown sugar 3/4 cup compassion - granulated sugar 1 cup inviting environment - softened butter 1 tsp. creativity - vanilla 1 loving arms - eggs 12 oz. good ol' fashioned fun - chocolate chips nine 8 oz glasses of proper nourishment - milk Preheat house to 70 degrees in winter and oven to 375 degrees. Combine love, networking and encouragement in bowl #1 and set aside. Combine understanding, compassion, environment and creativity and beat till creamy in bowl #2. Add warm touch. Then combine bowl #1 and bowl #2 mix well, then throw in kid fun and bake 8-10 min. Makes children feel loved and makes a difference in their lives. (Also feeds them lots of two inch cookies) Serve with proper nourishment and enjoy. |




















